FOR a man who has achieved and earned so much, Sir Paul McCartney is by all accounts a down-to-earth, sincere, and kind man.

Heather Mills, his new fiancee, is clearly a woman of great courage and substance. They make a lovely couple and were a picture of happiness as they showed off their engagement ring yesterday.

The ex-Beatle has handled the loss of wife, Linda, with great dignity. He will never forget her, but she would have wanted him to move on.

In Heather Mills, a former North-East model who has had her own traumas to overcome, he has found someone to share his life, and millions will share their happiness.

Losing a loved one is a devastating experience and the wounds never completely heal. But, with time, support and friendship, the bereaved can learn to live with their loss.

Paul thought he would never love again after Linda. Like millions of others striving to cope with the death of a loved one, there were very dark days. But he has found happiness again - just as Linda would have wanted.

JEFFREY Archer is in jail for perjury. His father, William, was jailed for embezzlement. Now the novelist's son, James, has been banned from working in the City over a dodgy shares deal that has left his career in shreds.

Some family trees really grow crooked, don't they?